May 2011

I believe we are living in what the Bible says are "perilous times." "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (II Timothy 3:1)..."

And perhaps one of the biggest threats now facing society as a whole is not only such things as terrorism, crime or economic instability, but from a spiritual standpoint, we could also be harmed by those whom the Bible calls false prophets and false teachers. They can lead astray those who are ignorant, and ruin them physically, emotionally and financially.Yes, the Bible warns that, in the 'last days' especially, such liars will abound. They will skillfully and deceitfully use the Scriptures (the Bible) to their advantage. They will twist the meaning of various passages to say something else than what God intended them to say. In addition, the Bible also announces that many will follow them. Even many Christians, I believe, will somehow end up following after these false prophets and teachers for which the end result will be the destruction of their faith. How tragic!Therefore, with this in mind, I must say that the Bible emphatically states that no one could possibly know the day nor the hour when Christ will come for His church. Many Christians call this event the "rapture." It will be an event in which those who have truly placed their faith in Jesus Christ will be taken from the earth in an instant of time, and will join together in the clouds to "meet the Lord in the air" so that we could be with Him, forever (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).In fact, till this day Christians are divided on the matter as to when the rapture will take place with regard to world events that will be happening at the time, or even if there will be a rapture. Nevertheless, regardless of one's personal views on the subject, the Bible proclaims with absolute certainty that, if there is going to be a rapture, it is impossible to know when it will occur. And there are no exceptions. Nor should one have any expectation of a special or private revelation. As Christ Himself was quoted as saying, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only (Matthew 24:36)."Yet in spite of the clear pronouncements found in the Scriptures about the setting of dates with regard to Christ's coming for His church, fools still make their attempts at doing this, while bigger fools continue to believe them. This, obviously, is an embarrassment to serious-minded Christians everywhere. We're ashamed of all the nonsensical date setting, and we're heartbroken for those who have placed their hope and faith in lies.Still, with this said, the church needs to show mercy and compassion toward those who've mistakenly followed these false prophets and teachers. Such people are victims who've been duped. They've been humiliated, as well. And many have suffered the loss of a good reputation, or the loss of a job or a relationship. Now they need to be encouraged, forgiven, and gently restored. They need to be loved, prayed for, and brought back into fellowship. No sin or wrong decision is too big that it cannot be forgiven.Wherefore, knowing now what the Bible says about trying to set dates for the rapture of the church, let us refuse to heed those who claim to know the date for this event. Let us recognize these false prophets and teachers for what they are: liars!Also, may we as Christians seek to know the Word of God for ourselves. We should be diligently committed to the study of Scripture, ideally, if possible, in both a home fellowship under the leadership of a mature teacher, and in a doctrinally sound church, as well. This way we can become proficient in knowing correct doctrine, and thus rightly discern truth from error.And, in closing, may I say that the Bible pronounces dreadful judgment upon all liars. They will each have their part in the Lake of Fire, where they will be tormented day and night, forever. This, then, will be the final end for all false prophets and teachers who refuse to repent (Revelation 21:8)D.B.